Cuero, Tx Oct 11, 2024
A few years back, I was visiting a friend from Tennessee and her daughter was getting ready for her homecoming date. Her date arrives and they introduced me, at that moment I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with that picture and as they walked outside it suddenly occurred to me that they had forgotten their mums. I tell my friend who is sitting across from me, but she just gives me this blank stare. “Their mums, I repeat. They forgot their mums.”
I immediately jump up from the sofa and run outdoors and yell to them that they had forgotten their mums. By this time my friend is outside, and her daughter is looking at me a little embarrassed. “Why aren’t y’all wearing your mums? Y’all forgot your mums. I repeat.” They all looked at me, clearly baffled, and admitted they didn’t know what a mum was, failing to associate it with the flower.
It was at that moment that I realized that Homecoming Mums were a “Texas Thang“. For some reason I always thought all high schools across the United States celebrated Homecoming with mums. I couldn’t imagine one without the other. If you were to say mums, I would immediately think of Homecoming and vice versa.
In any case, Friday’s game against Rockport was the Cuero Gobblers Homecoming Game and I was in awe of all the beautiful and elaborate Homecoming mums that I saw. They are becoming larger and much more elaborate. But what hasn’t changed is what it symbolizes. Texas Homecoming Mums have always symbolized school spirit and pride.
They serve as a visual representation of a student’s involvement in school activities, including clubs, sports, and other extracurriculars. This high school tradition is part of the experience. The homecoming tradition for giving mums dates back to the early 1900
The artistic evolution of mums has seen designers trying out new techniques and materials. Designers experiment with textures, layers, and even themes that reflect the recipient’s personality, interests, and school pride. It’s not just about quantity—it’s about the quality and innovation that set each mum apart.
Each mum tells a story. Whether it’s highlighting a student’s achievements, hobbies, or favorite colors, the creators pour their heart and soul into every piece. This personal connection elevates mums from mere adornments to cherished keepsakes that capture the essence of the high school experience. These accessories are typically worn by girls, while boys often wear smaller versions called “garters.”
In recent years, mums have gained recognition as a form of wearable art. Competitions highlighting the most impressive creations, celebrating the ingenuity and dedication of their makers. These events offer a platform for designers to share their passion and inspire others to view mums through an artistic lens.
Homecoming Mums are not just a Texas tradition; they represent a dynamic art form. They serve as a reminder that in small towns like Cuero, Texas, there are individuals with remarkable talent and artistry. The intricate interplay of ribbons, flowers, and creativity embodies their artistic ability.
So next time you see a Homecoming mum, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that goes into each artistic creation, no matter how big or small it’s more than just a flower arrangement, it’s a piece of wearable art that tells a story, and it’s a Texas tradition that captures the spirit of the Texas Homecoming Experience.
